DESI DIARY

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVE NEWCOMERS IN BRAMPTON

The Newcomer Creative Exchange Program will help connect new creative Canadians living in Brampton with the arts and culture scene. Image credit: MATTHIEU JUNGFER on Unsplash.

The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) is launching the Newcomer Creative Exchange Program to help connect new creative Canadians living in Brampton with the arts and culture scene.

This initiative was developed based on feedback from the community following two newcomer gatherings hosted by BAO last fall. The Newcomer Creative Exchange Program provides opportunities to participants to build community support, showcase their work and gain knowledge about the local creative sector. It is free and open to Brampton residents who moved to Canada within the past seven years, are over the age of 18 and at any level of experience.

BAO will host monthly creative workshops and field trips dedicated to newcomer creatives and cultural workers until November. Guest mentors and industry professionals will facilitate the workshops and events and share their creative journeys and experiences. The series will conclude with a celebration of artwork created by program participants.

The City of Brampton is known as a living mosaic and its diverse population is one of the community’s greatest strengths. The City remains committed to addressing the unique needs of new Canadians living in Brampton and will continue to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the arts industry.

Participants can request a translator to support their participation by contacting BAO at info@bramptonartsorg.ca as soon as possible (minimum of 7 days in advance) so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

For more information about the Newcomer Creative Exchange Program and to register for sessions, visit bramptonartsorg.ca.

Community Gathering at Brampton Library, Mount Pleasant Village Branch: Friday, May 10, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Brampton Library, Mount Pleasant Branch Village Branch.

Field Trip to Peel Museum Art Gallery and Archives (PAMA) and writing workshop with Living Hyphen: Sunday, June 23, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives.

Open Mic Night: Friday, July 12, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, BAO Office.

Field Trip and Tour of 401 Richmond with Work In Culture: Friday, September 13, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 401 Richmond St W, Toronto.

Art for Wellness with Art as Therapy: Friday, October 4, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, BAO Office.

Newcomer Creative Exchange Celebration & Exhibition: Friday, November 29, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, BAO Office.

“The Newcomer Creative Exchange Series represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support and uplift newcomer creatives in Brampton,” said Michael Vickers, Executive Director, Brampton Arts Organization. “Through workshops, field trips, and networking opportunities, this program will empower participants to explore their artistic passions, build connections and showcase their work. We are excited to see the impact this series will have on our community and the creative talents it will nurture.”